Which one do you think really drives you? Or should I say, which is the first one to give up? Early on in the season, when fitness is low, your body probably can’t keep up with your brain. Your brain “expects” more but your body can’t do it. Then, after some work, your body is able to handle the stresses you demand out of it.
This is where I am now. After a good base, I’m now in my “build” section which is requiring me to put more stress on my head than my feet.
Today I woke up like any other Thursday but upon getting up I just didn’t have the jump. Usually by the time I get to the pool I’m ready to go. Sometimes after the first few 100s in the warm up I get that “will to kill” but today I just didn’t have it. After 800ms I called it quits.
My body feels fine but the head just needed a mental break. After showering and stretching (which I usually miss because I’m in a rush to get to work), I relaxed and felt much better.
For those that read this blog, it is ok to say no sometimes. I know we read a lot about not quitting or not doing enough. Reality is we are all built different. So if you need a morning, a day or a weekend to get your head back in the game do so.
Anywho, I’ve gotta get to work.
Happy Trainin
Cliff
An interesting post on MF’s site (http://mattfitzgerald.org/blog/?p=301) about the effects of what the brain thinks it can do vs what the body thinks it can do. Seems the brain wins out more often than you’d think. Usually on the negative side. Which I suspect has a lot to do with how one should train. Regardless, when yer brain shuts down ain’t nuthin’ the body can do to recover. I’ve been practicing mental clearing a la Mark Allen cuz I figure at kilometer 20 of the run, I’m gonna need it!
I think I read that article.
It’s a funny thing, train your body but a lot of people forget to train the mind. I know for me, keeping my brain in the game pushes me to new levels.
If you want another book I have a decent read which talks about how to improve mental part of sport.
I’m always interested in the mental aspects of sport. What’s the name of the book?
Mental Toughness. I’ll send it out this week.